The Lipstick Project brings compassion and healing to people with serious illnesses

DH Vancouver StaffMar 16, 2015 9:24 am

When you’re in the hospital, you’re constantly poked and prodded for tests, updates and meds. It’s necessary, but it’s not always nice.

One local charity, The Lipstick Project, is changing that by bringing spa services to patients, giving them the chance to feel pampered through the power of therapeutic, gentle touch.

The Lipstick Project is a Vancouver-based charity that offers adults and children facing extreme health challenges free, professional spa services. The charity was established in 2012 by a group of young women who wanted to support people impacted by serious illnesses to feel beautiful and more like themselves during the most challenging days of their lives.

“To us, it’s all about bringing back a sense of normalcy for our clients,” explains Leigh Boyle, one of the founders of The Lipstick Project. “We contribute to supporting people in the pursuit of a good day – a day where they can feel like themselves again and perhaps, even just for a few moments, forget the trials and hardships they are living through.”

Proper medical care is an important priority for patients but routine medical procedures are extremely mentally, physically and emotionally draining on a patient.

What often goes overlooked is something to give people living with significant health challenges a boost of confidence to restore their self-esteem and this is what makes The Lipstick Project unique.

The free, bedside spa services provided by the organization allow patients to regain a sense of self and dignity through very simple methods: trimming nose hair, cleaning and filing nails, applying moisturizer to cracked feet.

Currently, The Lipstick Project operates with several partner organizations including Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, North Shore Hospice Society, Vancouver Hospice Society, BC Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald Family House of BC.

Volunteers needed

The charity is 100 per cent volunteer-run and is currently looking for more volunteers – specifically hair-stylists, massage therapists and aestheticians who are interested in contributing a three to six hours a month on-site with The Lipstick Project’s partners bringing light and love to those in our community who are facing significant health challenges. For more information please visit www.thelipstickproject.ca or email [email protected].

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DH Vancouver Staff

Daily Hive is the evolution of Vancity Buzz, established in Vancouver in 2008. In 2016, the publication rebranded and opened newsrooms in Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. Send story tips to [email protected]